The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-06-18
dait and 9amor.
Ferguson's Boy, Freddie

L dlned with ferguson tne Otner uay
Ferguson has boy named Freddie
Freddie is a boy about nine years Of age,
and is considered very "bright." He is
he is positively brilliant. But if he were
my boy think l could polish him still
more. At all events | should try.
Freddie came into the parlor soon after
my arrival, his face shining from recent
vigorous application of soap and water
and his yellow hair plastered down to his
head so that every bump was plainly visi'
BILE.
"You don't remember Mr.. johnson, do
you?" said his father, taking the young
cub on his knee.
"Yep," was the reply.
"What's that?" said Ferguson reprov'
ingly.
"Yep," repeated the boy, with sur
prised look.
Haven't 1 told you to always say yes
sir?
"Yessir."
"Thats better. So you remember Mr.
johnson, Ell? It's nearly three years
since Freddie saw you last, added Fergu-
son turning to me. dts astonishing what
a memory the boy has. What do you re-
member about Mr.. johnson, Freddie ?" he
inquired.
II remembered" replied Freddie, in
geniously, ''that his hair was white at the
roots and black at the ends, and mar said
she guessed he hadn't dyed it this week. J"
This remark produced feeling of con-
straint, SO to speak, and Freddie was ban
ished from the parlor. did not see him
again until | went into dinner.
Ferguson asked blessing. As soon as
he had finished, Freddie burst out with:
Spar, what's the reason you never do
that 'cept when we have comp'ny?"
Ferguson made some facetious remark,
butt saw light in his eye which told me
that there was trouble ahead for Freddie,
and | rejoiced in secret.
'Mar," said Freddie presently, "don't
you wish Aunt Maria was here ?"
"Why, Freddie p said his mother, with
a fond smile.
"Cause you said the other day that you
wished she an Mr.. johnson could meet,
cause he'd be such a good catch for her,
an it was about her last chance, an"
"Frederick !" shouted Ferguson.
"Why, Freddie Ferguson !" exclaimed
his mother
The subject was quickly changed. /
felt that it would be wise to send Freddie
away from the table, but Ferguson dared
fate, and permitted him to remain.
"Gimme another piece of cake" said
Freddie, presently.
"You have had three already" said his
mother, gently.
~ know 1 have, an 1 want another"
fsBut-"
~ want another piece of cake"
"What can you possibly want of more
cake
"Wanter eat it, of course. What'd yer
s'pose wanted ter do with it-put wheels
on it and use it for a wagon ?"
1t struck me that this would be a good
time to remove Freddie and infict corporal
punishment upon him; but Mrs. Ferguson
thought differently. She regarded Freddie S
remarks as laughable.
ats astonishing what fund of humor
that boy has got, she said, as she gave him
the biggest piece of cake on the plate.
"Hes always making quaint remarks like
that. Par and 1 think he'll become great
humorist."
HMr. johnson" said Freddie, as he rose
from the table, "can / feel of your di'mun
pin p
"What singular request. said Mrs.
Ferguson. "But please let him do it if
you don't mind, Mr. johnson. He's got
some funny idea in his head, and We shall
see what it is.
We did. After rubbing the diamond
several times with his forefnger (inciden-
tally coloring my immaculate shirt front
with currant jelly), he said wonderingly:
"Why, it amt sticky at all. )"
oNo, Freddie, of course not, said Fer
guson, smiling.
"Why should it be sticky? Diamonds
are not sticky"
"No, l spose not, said Freddie, "but
heard mar say that she thought it wasn't
a di'mun at all, but only paste, an knew
that paste"
But at this point Freddie was hustled
out of the room by his father, and in few
moments my heart was gladdened by the
sound of dismal yells in the distance.
| saw no more of Freddie that evening.
| do not intend to dine at Ferguson's again
at present.